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ToursG AdventuresJourneys: Iconic Japan

Journeys: Iconic Japan

12 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
In Japan, tradition and modernity are celebrated side-by-side in ways that often appear contradictory. Immerse yourself in this intriguing culture, beginning in sprawling Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities. Then head by rail into the countryside to visit traditional villages and tranquil shrines. Explore quaint geisha districts and inspiring gar...
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Call us:+1-844-686-1327

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore the modern and traditional sides of japan
    • Relax at a traditional inn
    • Ride a ferry to miyajima to see the famous floating torii
    • Learn the art of meditation from a local monk

What's this trip about?

    In Japan, tradition and modernity are celebrated side-by-side in ways that often appear contradictory. Immerse yourself in this intriguing culture, beginning in sprawling Tokyo, one of the world’s most innovative cities. Then head by rail into the countryside to visit traditional villages and tranquil shrines. Explore quaint geisha districts and inspiring gardens; savour the fresh flavours of Japanese cuisine; and get a glimpse of the ancient soul of this fascinating, futuristic country.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityTokyo
End CityKyoto

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

Trip includes

    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tsukiji Sushi Experience
    • TokyoYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Zen Buddhist Meditation and Calligraphy
    • KyotoYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Kembu Masters
    • KyotoYour Hands-On Moment: Chopstick and Gold Leaf Painting Experience
    • Kanazawa
    • Tour of Tokyo including Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa and Harajuku districts
    • Walking tour of Tsumago Village and countryside
    • Kaiseki dinner
    • Visit Kanazawa samurai and geisha districts
    • Visit Nomura Family Samurai Residence and Myoryuji Ninja Temple
    • Visit Himeji Castle
    • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
    • Excursion to Miyajima Island
    • Zen meditation experience
    • Tour Kyoto and Nara including Fushimi Inari
    • Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
    • Todaiji Temple
    • Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Jan - Sep)
    • Visit Gion Geisha district
    • Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Tokyo

Arrive at any time.

On our tours in Japan we use public transport, making use of Japan's world famous transportation system. From the super fast Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto's extensive local bus network, we ride with the locals. As well, there is a lot of w...

Day 2 Tokyo

Spend the day exploring vibrant Tokyo—one of the world’s most populous cities—by public transit. Experience the traditional side of the Japanese capital on a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We then get a glimpse of the city’s quirky...

Day 3 Tokyo

This morning, set out to visit the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market. Learn about Japan’s massive fishing industry, and round off the experience with a sushi-making class. Learn how to identify the freshest fish, prepare, fillet, and present; then enjoy a taste of...

Day 4 Tokyo/Tsumago

Depart Tokyo by train. Disembark at Nagiso and continue to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, where we’ll spend the night. Enjoy a walk through the countryside, passing lush farms and rice paddies into Tsumago, a protected cultural area dating...

Day 5 Tsumago/Kanazawa

Continue by train to the historic city of Kanazawa, the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Venture to Nagamachi, the city’s well-preserved samurai district located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, and learn about the lifestyle of Japan’s ancient, el...

Day 6 Kanazawa

Spend the day exploring Kanazawa. Visit the Myoryuji Temple—commonly known as the Ninja Temple—which doubled as a military outpost, and discover its many hidden defenses and escape routes. Take a walk through the Higashi Chaya geisha district and gain insights into ge...

Day 7 Kanazawa/Hiroshima

Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. Here, we’ll pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, located in the heart of the city, which commemorates the tragic atomic bombings of 1945. Take your time to wander through the park, pausing at memorials dedicated to th...

Day 8 Hiroshima

Catch a ferry to Itsukushima Island, popularly known as Miyajima. Here, you’ll find one of Japan’s most beautiful and sacred temples, the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto shrine. This UNESCO World Heritage site is built over the water, with a red torii or wooden gateway that appears to float at high tide. Spend the afternoon at leisure and explore on your own.

Day 9 Hiroshima/Kyoto

This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle, widely considered Japan’s most spectacular and best-preserved castle. The castle was completed in the early 17th century and features an elegant white facade with multiple wooden roofs. Later, we hop on a tr...

Day 10 Kyoto

This morning, we visit a local temple to learn about the history and practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Meet with a local monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy; then head to the shimmering Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion,” one of Kyoto’s mos...

Day 11 Kyoto

Venture to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari shrine just outside of Kyoto, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Walk under the temple’s iconic red gates, where a scene from Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. Spend the rest of the day discovering ancient Nara, the site of Ja...

Day 12 Kyoto

Depart at any time.

For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours) 1) By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited expres...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,519
Price per day$460
Last Updated: 3/10/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
$6,899
19 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$6,899
23 Mar 2025
03 Apr 2025
$7,699
26 Mar 2025
06 Apr 2025
$7,699
30 Mar 2025
10 Apr 2025
$7,699
31 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$7,669
02 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$7,699
06 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$7,699
09 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2025
$6,159
13 Apr 2025
24 Apr 2025
$6,159

Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets.

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
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S

Smith

Jun 2018

Written on
Journeys: Iconic Japanby G Adventures

A great way to see Japan

Great group tour experience. I was glad that I packed light! It was a small surprise to take so much public transportation everywhere. But our guide was amazing, an...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nts), traditional Inn (1 nt, shared facilities).
A mix of Western style hotels (10 nights) and Japanese traditional inns (1 nights). Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotels rooms are small! Additionally, most Japanese hotels do not have designating non smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderize rooms before check in.

Transportation & Flights

Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking.,

Transportation & flights

Bullet train, express train, local train, ferry, metro, taxi, public bus, walking.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
Health & Safety
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are travelling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the CEO, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information
[object Object]
Tour operator cancellation policy
https://www.gadventures.com/terms-conditions/booking-terms/
Trip ID
gadventure-23630

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